Pem for Children - The Lilacs

The fields and garden-borders

Are bright because of spring,

The clouds of guelder roses

Are out and blossoming;

And close beside the gateway,

Tall, upon either hand,

Their green robes shot with sunlight,

Like queens, the Lilacs stand.

And one is crowned with purple,

And one is crowned with white;

Look! where the wind is passing

They bow to left and right,

And trails of scent they scatter

As royal gifts to all,

To every creature dwelling

Within the garden-wall.

O queen in plumes of purple!

Throw me a breath of joy,

You are all grand and glorious

And I a little boy;

But ask the lovely lady

With white plumes in her hair

To scent my heart with sweetness,

To make it pure and fair.